JP2011183632A - Image forming apparatus and image forming apparatus control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to know the possibility that setting is not carried out in a technique for forming images on both sides of a planar recording medium by using different models of image forming apparatuses. <P>SOLUTION: A cascade printing system 10 using the image forming apparatuses 12 and 14 determines whether or not a range in which a registration mark may be formed on continuous paper is included in an area in which a registration mark may be formed, which is set on a system side. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming apparatus control program.

  Patent Document 1 describes an image forming apparatus that can detect a mark on any surface of the print medium.

JP 2008-179453 A

  The present invention provides a technique capable of knowing the possibility of setting not being performed in a technique for forming images on the front and back of a planar recording medium using different types of image forming apparatuses.

  The invention described in claim 1 is a model different from the image forming processing management means for managing the image forming process on the first surface of the planar recording medium and the image forming apparatus, and the planar recording medium. A communication unit that communicates with another image forming apparatus that forms an image on a second surface on the back surface side of the first surface of the medium; and on the planar recording medium in the image forming apparatus. Setting means for setting the first area where the position information can be formed, acquisition means for acquiring the second area where the position information can be formed on the planar recording medium, and the first area And a comparison means for comparing the second area with the second area.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect of the invention, there is provided an informing means for performing an informing process when the second area is not included in the first area.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the invention, the first region is set based on information obtained from the other image forming apparatus via the communication unit. It is characterized by.

  According to a fourth aspect of the invention, in the invention according to any one of the first to third aspects, the first region used in common in the image forming apparatus and the other image forming apparatus. Storage means for storing information is provided.

  The invention according to claim 5 is a program that is read and executed by a computer, and the image forming process management means that manages the image forming process on the first surface of the planar recording medium; Communication that is a different model from the image forming apparatus and that communicates with another image forming apparatus that forms an image on the second surface on the back side of the first surface of the planar recording medium. Means for setting a first area capable of forming position information on the planar recording medium in the image forming apparatus, and a first unit capable of forming the position information on the planar recording medium. An image forming apparatus control program that functions as an acquisition unit that acquires two regions and a comparison unit that compares the first region and the second region.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to know the possibility that the setting is not executed in the technology for forming images on the front and back of the planar recording medium using different types of image forming apparatuses.

  According to the second aspect of the invention, the possibility that the setting is not executed is notified.

  According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is no need to perform a setting operation for the other image forming apparatus.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is no need to perform a setting operation for the other image forming apparatus.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program capable of knowing the possibility that setting is not performed in the technology for forming images on the front and back of a planar recording medium using different types of image forming apparatuses. Is done.

It is a perspective view of the double continuous printing system of an embodiment. 1 is a block diagram of a multiple printing system of an embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of embodiment.

(Overall configuration)
Hereinafter, an example using the invention will be described. FIG. 1 shows an example of a double continuous printing system using the invention. FIG. 1 shows a multiple printing system 10. The double continuous printing system 10 has a function of forming images on the front and back of continuous paper, which is an example of a planar recording medium, using the image forming apparatuses 12 and 14.

  First, the image forming apparatus 12 stores continuous paper that is disposed on the upstream side considered in the paper conveyance path and wound up in a roll shape. The continuous paper P on which an image is formed on one side in the image forming device 12 is sent to the buffer device 18. The buffer device 18 has a function of bending the continuous paper P in the middle of conveyance in the device and suppressing loosening, twisting, flapping, excessive tension and the like of the continuous paper P.

  A front / back reversing device 16 is disposed downstream of the buffer device 18. The front / back reversing device 16 reverses the front / back (upper / lower) of the continuous paper, and sends the paper P to the image forming device 14 on the downstream side. The image forming apparatus 14 performs printing on the surface opposite to the surface printed by the image forming apparatus 12 on the continuous paper P. The image forming apparatus 14 includes a winding mechanism that winds the continuous paper on which image formation has been completed.

  The image forming apparatus 12 and the image forming apparatus 14 form an image by an electrophotographic method. That is, although not shown, the image forming apparatus 12 and the image forming apparatus 14 are a photosensitive drum, an exposure device that performs exposure for forming an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum, and the electrostatic latent image with toner. A developing device that develops and forms a toner image, a transfer device that transfers the toner image onto continuous paper, and a fixing device that fixes the toner image transferred onto the continuous paper are provided.

  The image forming apparatus 12 is provided with a paper feeding device (paper feeding device) that stores the wound continuous paper and feeds the continuous paper while unwinding the continuous paper. The image forming apparatus 14 includes a paper take-up device that takes up continuous paper on which an image is formed.

  The image forming apparatus 12 and the image forming apparatus 14 are different models and have different specifications. Here, the image forming apparatus 12 is a model that can use continuous paper in which pin feed holes for carrying paper on both sides are formed. The image forming apparatus 14 is a model that does not support continuous paper in which the pin feed holes are formed.

  By the way, when printing on both sides of the continuous paper P in the continuous printing system 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, a positioning mark that functions as a mark is used to align the front and back images. That is, a positioning mark is formed at the same time when an image is formed on the first surface in the image forming apparatus 12, and this positioning mark is formed on the image forming apparatus 14 side when forming an image on the second surface in the image forming apparatus 14. Based on the optical detection by the optical sensor, the image forming apparatus 14 forms an image on the second surface in accordance with the position of the image formed on the first surface.

  This positioning mark functions as a display indicating position information on the continuous paper P to be detected by the image forming apparatus 14 on the downstream side, and is formed in an inconspicuous place such as near the edge of the continuous paper. Here, the area where the positioning mark in the image forming apparatus 12 can be formed does not match the area where the positioning mark in the image forming apparatus 14 can be detected. This is due to whether or not it is possible to cope with continuous paper in which pin feed holes are formed.

  Hereinafter, this point will be described. First, the dimension between the edge of the paper and the image forming area is different between the continuous paper in which the pin feed holes are formed and the continuous paper that is not. For this reason, the handling of the positioning marks is different between the image forming apparatuses 12 and 14, and the area where the positioning marks can be formed in the image forming apparatus 12 and the area where the positioning marks can be detected in the image forming apparatus 14 are not the same.

  There are two types of positioning marks: a case where the image forming apparatus 12 is formed on a surface on which an image is formed and a case where the positioning mark is formed on the back side thereof. These two forms can be selected by a setting operation by operating a control panel described later.

  The image forming apparatus 12 includes an operation panel 20. The operation panel 20 is a touch panel display, and is an interface device that performs various settings and operations of the image forming apparatus 12. The image forming apparatus 14 includes an operation panel 21. The operation panel 21 is a touch panel display, and is an interface device that performs various settings and operations of the image forming apparatus 14.

(Control system configuration)
FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the control system of the multiple continuous printing system 10 shown in FIG. The image forming apparatus 12 includes a controller unit 30, a transmission / reception processing unit 31, an image formation processing management unit 32, a resource management processing unit 33, and a paper information data storage unit 34. The controller unit 30 has a function as a computer and has a function of controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 12. The transmission / reception processing unit 31 has a function of performing transmission / reception (that is, communication) of data with the image forming apparatus 40, the operation panel 20, and the operation panel 21 via a communication line 50 such as a LAN.

  The image forming process management unit 32 manages the processing operation inside the image forming apparatus 12 in the image forming operation. For example, control of the exposure timing to the photosensitive drum, the transfer timing of the toner image, and the like are performed by a control signal output from the image formation processing management unit 32. The resource management processing unit 33 manages sheet information regarding various continuous sheets, various setting conditions, and the like. In the paper information handled by the resource management unit processing unit 33, information on an area where the above-described positioning mark can be formed (detectable) on the continuous paper is also included. Further, the resource management processing unit 33 executes the processing of FIG. In the resource management processing unit 33, a setting unit 331 that performs various setting processes in FIG. 3, an acquisition unit 332 that performs various acquisition processes, a comparison unit 333 that performs comparison based on various determinations, and a process for performing notification processing. The notification unit 334 to perform is configured in software.

  The paper information data storage unit 34 stores paper information handled by the resource management processing unit 33. In addition, the controller unit 30 includes a CPU, a memory area, and an interface function for functioning as a computer.

  The controller unit 40 has the same configuration as the controller unit 30. However, since the models are different, there are differences in the details of control due to differences in models and differences in data to be handled. However, the basic functions of the respective functional units are the same as those of the controller unit 30 described above, and thus the description regarding the controller unit 30 is omitted.

(Operation example)
Hereinafter, an example of the operation of the configuration shown in FIG. 1 will be described. FIG. 3 shows a flowchart showing an example of the operation. The flowchart of FIG. 3 is executed by the resource management processing unit 33 of the controller unit 30 of the image forming apparatus 12 arranged on the upstream side of the sheet conveyance.

  The program for executing the flowchart of FIG. 3 is stored in a memory area in the controller unit 30 (for example, in the hard disk device constituting the paper information data storage unit 34), and is read and executed in an appropriate memory area. The The program may be stored in a server or an appropriate storage medium and provided from there.

  In using the system of FIG. 1, first, the operation panel 20 or 21 is operated by an operator to perform various settings. In the system of FIG. 1, in the operation control, the controller unit 30 (see FIG. 2) of the upstream image forming apparatus 12 is the upper (main). This is performed for the controller unit 30 via the line 50.

  When the above setting operation is started (step S301), the content operated by the operator is set (step S302). Next, it is determined whether or not the system is a multi-continuous system (step S303). If the multi-system is as shown in FIG. 1, the process proceeds to step S304. If the image forming apparatus is used alone, the process proceeds to step S311. move on.

  In step S304, it is determined in step S302 whether or not a common setting condition setting operation has been performed. The common setting condition is a setting condition that can be used in common by the image forming apparatuses 12 and 14 that are prepared in advance and stored in the paper information data storage unit 34. This common setting condition includes a condition for commonly setting a region where a positioning mark can be formed in both apparatuses. A plurality of common setting conditions are prepared in advance in consideration of models expected to be combined.

  When the common setting condition setting operation is performed in step S302, the process proceeds from step S304 to step S305, and the common setting condition is acquired. At this time, one of a plurality of candidates (for example, the top of the list) is selected and acquired. After step S305, information about the continuous paper to be used is acquired (step S306). The information relating to the continuous paper includes information about a range in which the positioning mark can be formed on the continuous paper. Thereafter, based on the contents acquired in step S305, an area (settable area) where the positioning mark can be formed in the multi-continuous printing system 10 of FIG. 1 is set (step S307), and the process proceeds to step S313 described later.

  Returning to step S304, if the common setting condition is not set, the process proceeds to step S308. In step S <b> 308, information on the continuous paper to be used is acquired, and information on an area (settable area) in which the positioning mark in the image forming apparatus 14, which is another apparatus constituting the continuous printing system 10, can be detected. Obtained from the image forming apparatus 14 side (S309). Then, based on the acquired contents, an area (settable area) where a positioning mark can be formed in the multiple continuous printing system 10 is determined (step S310).

  For example, in step S310, the information on the area where the positioning mark can be formed set by the operator is compared with the position range of the positioning mark that can be handled by the image forming apparatus 14 acquired from the image forming apparatus 14, and from there A process is performed in which a common area is extracted and is used as an area (a settable area) in which a positioning mark can be formed in the multiple printing system 10.

  Returning to step S303, if the printing system is not a multi-continuous printing system, information on the continuous paper to be used is acquired (step S311), and then an area (setting) where a positioning mark can be formed in the image forming apparatus (in this case, the image forming apparatus 12). Possible area) is acquired (step S312), and the process ends (step S316). The flow of this process is the same as that of a normal image forming apparatus.

  When step S307 or S310 is executed, the process proceeds to step S313. In step S313, the range in which the positioning mark can be formed on the continuous paper obtained from the acquired information on the continuous paper, and the settable area determined in step S307 or S310 (the positioning mark as viewed from the double continuous printing system side is formed). And a determination is made as to whether or not the former is included in the latter.

  When the determination in step S313 is NO, there is a possibility that the function of the positioning mark does not function normally. If the function of the positioning mark does not function normally, the function of aligning the images on the front and back of the continuous sheet cannot be obtained normally.

  In step S313, when the range in which the positioning mark can be formed on the continuous paper is included in the area where the positioning mark can be formed as viewed from the multiple printing system 10 side (within the settable area), the multiple printing system. Since the positioning mark functions effectively at 10, the process ends (step S 316).

  On the other hand, if the range in which the positioning mark can be formed on the continuous paper is not included in the region where the positioning mark can be formed as viewed from the continuous printing system 10 in step S313, the double-sided printing operation is performed as described above. Since inconvenience may occur, the process proceeds to step S314. In step S314, as in step S304, it is determined again whether or not common setting conditions have been set in step S302.

  Here, if the common setting condition is set, the process of step S305 is executed again. At this time, the unselected common setting condition is selected, and the processes of step S306 and subsequent steps are repeated.

  In the case of proceeding from step S314 to step S305, if there is no unselected common setting condition, an error notification such as “there is no common setting condition that can be used” is performed (not shown), and the previous stage of step S302 is performed. Return. In this case, setting is performed again.

  If the common setting condition is not set in step S314, the process proceeds to step S315, and an error notification 315 is performed. In the error notification in step S315, a message indicating that the setting relating to the formation position of the positioning mark is incomplete is displayed on the operation panel operated by the operator. When the error notification in step S315 is performed, the process returns to the previous stage of step S302, and the setting is performed again.

(Superiority)
When two image forming apparatuses are combined, if an area where the positioning mark can be formed is set so that the positioning mark functions in both of the two apparatuses, the range in which the positioning mark can be formed on the continuous paper used by the positioning mark Inconsistent with that. In this embodiment, this consistency is determined in step S313, and if consistency is not ensured, an error notification is performed in step S315.

  As a result, the operator is notified of the occurrence of inconvenience that the positioning mark does not function effectively, and the operator can recognize that there is a problem in the positioning mark setting.

  That is, when the combination of the image forming apparatuses in the multi-layer printing system is a different model, it is determined whether or not the positioning mark may not function effectively (step S313), and the fact is notified to the user (step S313). S315). For this reason, useless printing operation in which double-sided printing is not effectively performed can be avoided.

  In addition, the setting that can be used in common by the image forming apparatuses 12 and 14 prepared in advance is selected by the processing in step S304 and subsequent steps. Therefore, when different models are connected in cascade, each image forming apparatus is individually set. Therefore, the operation of the positioning mark functioning effectively can be set by interlocking the two image forming apparatuses without performing complicated setting operations.

(Other processing examples)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing one application example of the processing of FIG. In the process of FIG. 4, after step S303, it is determined whether or not the two image forming apparatuses constituting the system are the same model (step S303 ′). In this example, if the two image forming apparatuses are the same model, the process proceeds to step S311; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S304. Other processes are the same as those in FIG. According to the processing of FIG. 4, a configuration that can cope with the case of a redundant system using the same model is provided.

(Other)
As common setting conditions, it is possible to prepare for each combination pattern of models that combine common setting conditions, store the table data, and select one suitable for the combined model.

  As a positioning mark function, in addition to a mark used for positioning in double-sided printing, a function for specifying a folding position in post-processing after image formation, a function for specifying a position for stapling (binding processing), and cutting And a function for transmitting position information in the continuous sheet to the downstream image forming apparatus, such as a function for designating a portion to be performed. Any one of these functions may be used, or a plurality of these functions may be used.

  The common setting condition may be generated based on the internal information of the image forming apparatuses 12 and 14. In this case, the resource management processing unit 33 performs the following processing. First, information about the area where the positioning mark can be formed in the image forming apparatus 12 is acquired from the paper information data 34, and further information about the area where the positioning mark can be detected in the image forming apparatus 14 is acquired from the paper information data 44. Then, a common area in these two areas is extracted and set as a common setting condition.

  The present invention can be used for a technique for forming an image on a continuous recording medium using different types of image forming apparatuses.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Duplex printing system, 12 ... Upstream image forming apparatus, 14 ... Downstream image forming apparatus, 16 ... Front / back inversion apparatus, 18 ... Buffer apparatus, 20 ... Operation panel, 21 ... Operation panel, 50 ... Communication line , P: Continuous paper.

Claims (5)

Image formation processing management means for managing image formation processing on the first surface of the planar recording medium;
Communication that is a different model from the image forming apparatus and that communicates with another image forming apparatus that forms an image on the second surface on the back side of the first surface of the planar recording medium. Means,
Setting means for setting a first area in which position information can be formed on the planar recording medium in the image forming apparatus;
An acquisition means for acquiring a second area where the position information can be formed in the planar recording medium;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a comparing unit that compares the first area with the second area.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit configured to perform a notification process when the second region is not included in the first region.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first area is set based on information obtained from the other image forming apparatus via the communication unit.   4. The storage device according to claim 1, further comprising a storage unit that stores information on the first area that is used in common in the image forming apparatus and the other image forming apparatus. Image forming apparatus. A program that is read and executed by a computer,
Computer
Image formation processing management means for managing image formation processing on the first surface of the planar recording medium;
Communication that is a different model from the image forming apparatus and that communicates with another image forming apparatus that forms an image on the second surface on the back side of the first surface of the planar recording medium. Means,
Setting means for setting a first area in which position information can be formed on the planar recording medium in the image forming apparatus;
An acquisition means for acquiring a second area where the position information can be formed in the planar recording medium;
An image forming apparatus control program that functions as a comparison unit that compares the first area and the second area.

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